Journey Through the Word: Recent Episodes
Justin Thomason
Join me in this daily devotional as I take a journey through the Bible and share my reading, observations, applications, and prayer. Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/justin-thomason6/support
The final chapters of Deuteronomy give an ominous indication of what will begin to happen in Israel. There is a call to consistently reinforce God's word every seven years so that all the generations of Israel would know and serve the Lord. God reminds the people of Israel that his word is life to them. Pray that God would strengthen and nourish you with his word, that you may know, love, and follow God all the days of your life.
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Deuteronomy 28-30 rehashes the blessings and curses seen in Leviticus 26. They also present us with an interesting idea: Moses challenges Israel, saying that the commands are not too hard to follow, because the word is in their mouths and in their hearts. Then Israel is presented with a choice: blessing & life, or curse & death. Pray that God would remind you that his word is in you, and that he would strengthen you through the Holy Spirit to obey his commands and choose life.
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In Deuteronomy 23-27, numerous commands are given and a call is presented to Israel once again to obedience. God promises to make Israel his treasured possession and to set them above all other nations in honor and fame. We are reminded that God's blessing accompanies obedience to his commands. Pray that you would see the beauty and wisdom in God's commands and that he would equip you with strength in the Holy Spirit to walk in his ways.
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Deuteronomy 19-22 features numerous unrelated commands which are given for Israel, but in the midst of the commands is another unique call: to not have fear. The passages teach us to remember that God is ultimately the victor, that what he says will come to pass, and his plans shall not fail. Pray that you would walk confidently in the will of God.
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Chapters 14-18 in Deuteronomy remind us of God's intention to set Israel apart as a holy people. They were to be lights in the world, reflecting the intended relationship between God and his creation. They shouldn't look like the other nations surrounding them. That call remains for Christians today. Pray that God would continue to refine you so that you may shine his light in the world.
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Deuteronomy 10-13 presented a pointed question: What does the Lord require of you? The answer is that our call is to walk in his ways in obedience, in light of his goodness and love for us. We see that ultimately our lives are boiled down to a simple choice: to live our lives in obedience to God, or to go our own way. Pray that God would reveal the intentions and thoughts of your heart, and that you would confess yourself before him so that you may be cleansed and walk humbly before him.
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In Deuteronomy 5-9, we see a clear message that blessing is the result of obedience. However, we recognize in these passages that it is not our actions or our words that justify us or earn us the right to God's blessing, but it is God's love and because of his reputation that he chooses to redeem us and have relationship with us. Pray that God would remind you of his great love for you, so that your loving and worshipful response to him would be obedience.
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The first chapters of Deuteronomy open with a recalling of Israel's history following the exodus from Egypt. Then, chapter 4 shows us a call to remember the commands of God, to do them, and to reinforce them constantly through action and teaching. There is a call to examine ourselves constantly, that we might be aware of and shut out the temptations that may pull us away from God and follow more closely in his ways. Pray that God would bring to remembrance the way he has moved and acted in your life, and that he would equip you and give you boldness to live out his commands and share them with those around you.
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The final chapters of the book of Numbers recount the journey Israel took from Egypt into the wilderness and finally to the edges of the promised land. God once again reminds the people of Israel that they are not to be defiled or stained by what is evil, because he dwells in their midst. Pray that God would continue to refine you as you walk in his ways, so that you may be set apart for him and bring honor to his name.
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Numbers 26-29 hit the reset button in Israel by the instruction to take a new census of the people of Israel. Joshua is also commissioned as the new leader of Israel when Moses is finished. We see the importance of leadership and are reminded how our ultimate shepherd is Jesus. Pray that God would bring you more fully into his fold under his leadership, that you may walk confidently in his ways.
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Numbers 21-22 juxtapose the ways in which two individuals view and approach God. Balaam is unable to curse Israel, but instead speaks blessing upon blessing. Phinehas, zealous for God's name, upholds God and his word as holy among the people. Pray that God would help you to choose the path of life through obedience to his good word.
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Numbers 21-22 chronicle some significant moments in the wilderness journey of the Israelites. We see once again the consequences of sin and disobedience among the people of Israel in their rebellion and grumbling. We also see God's hand in ordaining victory for the people of Israel against those who come against them. And we see a story about a donkey who could see what a man could not see. Pray that God would open your eyes to see his wonders and that you would walk in confident obedience to his word.
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Numbers 18-20 reveal how God planned his provision for the priests and the Levites because of their service to him. Sadly, we also see the results of more rebellion among the people of Israel, including in Moses' disobedience. God is to be regarded as holy, and his name is to be held in high honor. Pray that God would help you to live your live as a living sacrifice that you may honor God in your words and deeds.
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In Numbers 15-17 we see more examples of rebellion against God and his designs. A man breaks the sabbath and a whole multitude comes against Moses and God. We see once again the destruction which is brought about because of our sin. God calls on the people of Israel to remember his commands. Pray that God would help you to remember his commands and his words.
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These sad chapters of Numbers chronicle the first of numerous rebellions of people against Moses, Aaron, and, ultimately, God. They also reveal an amazing truth we all should remember: God's power is unending. Nothing can shorten God's hand! Pray that God would remind you of his steadfastness and holiness, and that you would walk in confidence of his power, provision, and presence.
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Numbers 5-10 wraps up the major laws and commands given by God to Israel before they begin their journey from Sinai to the promised land. They continue to demonstrate God's good order and his provision. Within these chapters is a blessing to be given to all Israel that God's presence and countenance would always be with and upon the people of Israel. Pray that you would be reminded that God's presence and spirit goes with all whom call upon his name!
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Numbers begins with a census which carries into the first few chapters. The men of Israel are counted and then the tribe of Levi is counted separately. Both are for the purpose of assigning roles, though it is more obvious for the Levites. The census is important to the people of Israel, particularly later in the Old Testament, but it also reveals once again God's orderliness and the fact that God has designed us to live in community in which all contribute in very specific ways for the good of all. This seems to be an early look at the concept of the Church, with many parts to one body. Pray that God would continue to amaze you with his wisdom and design.
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Leviticus 26 outlines a lost of blessings which would Israel would enjoy if they are obedient to God and curses which would come upon them if they disobey. God cares deeply about his people walking in obedience. One of the things we must realize is that God's commands are meant to give life and meant to produce abundance physically and spiritually. The curses are a warning that things can always be made worse, and that ultimately the cost is death and destruction. Pray that God would help you to walk in obedience to his commands so that he may lead you into life abundant.
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Leviticus 23-25 details the instructions for each of the festivals the people of Israel were to have. They are intended to be celebrations of God's work, opportunities to teach the younger generations about God, and provide a mechanism for the refreshment of God's word. The Sabbath and Jubilee years are also discussed, which remind us that God is our provider and the one in whom we trust for prosperity. Pray that you would be reminded daily to celebrate the work of God in your life and act out your faith through resting in God's provision.
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Leviticus 20-22 shows us once again the central idea of God's laws: God is holy, and God desires his name to be made great among the peoples of the world. God called Israel out from all the other nations so that he could make a people for himself. God's people therefore must not engage in the acts of the other nations because this would profane God's name rather than being him glory and honor. Pray that you would be empowered by God to walk in obedience to his commands so that you may bring honor to his name among all the peoples you encounter.
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Leviticus 16-19 reveals the focal point of God's law to the people of Israel. We see that ultimately God's law serves to help the people of Israel stand out, set apart from all the other nations of the world as God's chosen people. God's people are not to act like the cultures which surround them, but are called to stand firm upon God's commands and in his grace. Pray that you would desire above all else to be impressive by holding fast to God's commands, that you would shine like lights in the darkness!
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Leviticus 11-15 covers some of the most difficult passages of the Pentateuch. These chapters explain God's commands to the people of Israel in relation to the concept of clean and unclean. There are certain rules for all types of issues which would make a person "unclean," and though we don't fully understand the reasons for these, we are called to the knowledge of a very important truth: God is holy. Thus he commands those who follow him to be holy because he is holy. Pray that you God would continue to purify and sanctify your heart so that you may manifest outwardly the transformation that is taking place inwardly.
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Leviticus 8-10 narrate the consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests in Israel before the Lord. We see a contrast of obedience in chapters 8 and 9 to disobedience in chapter 10. God desires that he be revered and glorified above all, which is something we see Israel constantly having to learn and experience. Pray that God would help you to repent of your sin and walk in obedience to his commands, and that you would respond to him at all times in worship and praise.
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Leviticus is a difficult book of the Bible to read, but it reveals the significance of our sin and the holiness of God. Chapters 1-7 prescribe the different types of offerings and the role of the priests in those offerings. The instructions are very specific and meticulous! The overwhelming truth of this is that our sin requires sacrifice, and we know that Jesus paid that ultimate sacrifice once and for all. Pray that you would walk in the Lord's grace and mercy with thanksgiving for the precious blood of Jesus which was shed for all.
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Exodus 35-40 show us the contributions of the people of Israel for the work on the Tabernacle, and ultimately its creation and inhabiting by the presence of the Lord. We see an amazing picture of generous and sacrificial offering as well as obedience to the design and command of God. May our lives always be marked by generosity which comes from the confidence in God's presence and provision! Pray that you might walk in that confidence so that you may be generous and obedient to God.
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In Exodus 32 the tragedy of sin is manifested only a short time after Israel witnessed the wonders of God. The people of Israel worship a golden calf, in direct disobedience to the commands of God. But Moses interceded on their behalf. God reveals himself to Moses and proclaims his name. We are reminded of God's glory and his goodness. Pray that you would always be in awe of God's glory and ever thankful for his abundant love and goodness.
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Exodus 25-31 show us the command of God to Moses and the people of Israel for the creation of the Tabernacle and all that is within, as well as the priestly garments worn by Aaron and his sons. It is amazing to consider the detail and the structure which God instructs. It is also interesting to think about how the items within the Tabernacle are paralleled in purpose and description with Jesus in the book of John (Word, Light, Bread). We look at the Tabernacle and are reminded of the presence of God among us and within us, and we celebrate that God desires to know and be with his people. Pray that God would refresh your spirit in the comfort of his presence.
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Exodus 21-24 give a detailed list of some of the Mosaic Law which is given to the people of Israel. It is evident in these chapters that God cares very much about our conduct--how we treat other people, how we interact with animals and creation, and how we relate to God. It is evident that God's law tells us to do what is good at all times, even to our enemies and those who are foreigners. Even the sabbath is meant to be a blessing to many! Pray that God would help you to trust in his provision so that you may walk in obedience to his commands.
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Exodus 19 and 20 provide our first glimpse of the famous Ten Commandments, the beginning of God's law. We often see these as a list of rules which inhibit us, but God intended for it to bring us abundant life and proper relationship with him and people. God promises those who follow him will be his "treasured possession." How amazing! Pray that God would help you to walk in his commandments, that you may live out your identity as God's treasured possession.
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In Exodus 16-18, we see multiple examples of God's provision in the lives of the Israelites, and interestingly they all come at a time where much of the nation of Israel is doubtful and grumbling. God demonstrates his own faithfulness and grace in the way he treats the Israelites. Pray that you would be reminded always of the love and grace and provision of God, that he would help you to walk confidently in the mountains and in the valleys of life.
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In Exodus 11-15, the culmination of God's plan to rescue the Israelites comes to fruition. We see God's provision and his protection in the establishment of passover, a reminder that God spared the firstborn of Israel while destroying those of Egypt, and in the pillar of cloud and fire which guided Israel and divided them from Pharaoh. But the ultimate story is that God would gain glory through Pharaoh, and all Egypt would know that he was God. Pray that your life might be spent magnifying the name of God and in the worship of his glory, that you may make known the wonders of God before all humanity and all creation!
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In Exodus 7-10, we see the first nine plagues which are sent from God onto Egypt. In these passages, the ultimate mission of God is revealed: God desires to make his name and his glory known in all the earth. We see that God is sovereign above all others and desires our humble obedience to him and recognition that he is God and we are not. Pray that God would help you to make the name of God known and great in the world.
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In Exodus 3-6, we see God's encounter with Moses in the burning bush and the sending of Moses to Egypt. We are reminded of God's sovereignty and that God knows our circumstances. We are reminded that it is God who empowers! Pray that God would remind you of his power and wisdom, and that he would empower you to walk in the confidence of his presence.
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In Exodus 1-2, we are introduced to the story of Moses. After Joseph died, generations came by and Pharaoh did not remember Joseph and so, in fear of the growing strength of the Israelites, he enslaves them to hard labor and service. But God remembers. And we see glimpses of obedience and faithfulness to God's promises and his goodness as we prepare to see what God does through the life of Moses throughout Exodus. Pray that God would help you to remember his faithfulness to you and that you would walk in confidence of his presence and his promises.
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In Genesis 47-50, the end of Joseph's story and the end of the book of Genesis, we see the end of Jacob's life and his blessings on his sons and on Joseph's sons. We are reminded through the blessing of Joseph's youngest son that God's ways are not like ours, and that he looks at the heart and not the surface. And finally, we see once again the power and benefit of reconciliation and restoration of relationship. Joseph shows grace and mercy to his brothers even though they didn't deserve it. This is a picture of grace which will be manifested perfectly later in Jesus. Pray that God would teach you to seek reconciliation and to treat others with grace and mercy, even those who do wrong.
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In Genesis 42-46, Joseph's story moves to the interaction with his brothers upon their arrival to Egypt for the purpose of buying grain. Joseph, of all people, might be the one most justified in exacting vengeance, yet he returns the evil his brothers did with mercy and grace. While injustice may happen to us, we are still responsible for the choice of doing good or doing evil to those around us. Pray that God would enlighten you to the ways in which you might help to make things better in your life and in the lives of those around you, and that God would lead you in a life of obedience and humility, that you would walk in love and gentleness and goodness toward others.
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In Genesis 37-41 we see the early part of Joseph's story, from when he was sold into bondage until he ascended to second in command to pharaoh in Egypt. What an amazing story! In spite of the way he was treated or wrongfully accused, Joseph remained faithful, obedient, and humble before God and men, earning favor in the sight of his master and of Pharaoh. We see a contrast between Joseph's behavior and that of his brothers, one of selfless obedience to God and one of sin and resentment. Pray that God would help you to be faithful in the good times and in the bad times, being quick to remember his goodness and faithfulness in the storms of life.
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In Genesis 32-36, the main story of Jacob's life continues as he returns to his homeland. He fears the response of his brother, Esau, but we see him pray with expectation that God would continue to be faithful to his word. He gives abundantly and generously to his brother out of contentment in God. And he wrestles with God, earning a new name as part of his inner transformation. As you read, pray that God would help you to pray expectantly in his promises, provisions, and presence, and that he would help you to live out the inner transformation of your hearts in practical and evident ways.
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Genesis 29-31 are difficult passages. It is hard to understand how the chaos and disorder brought about by the deceit, envy, jealousy, and shady behavior of people could be ordained by or blessed by God. We see that Laban deceives Jacob regarding his daughters, whom both become wives of Jacob. We see envy and jealousy in the lives of two women fighting for the love and favor of their husband. We see Jacob cheating his relative out of his flocks and claiming God's support in the matter. Does God desire this behavior amongst his children? Or are these stories examples of behaviors which are destructive? These stories reveal how God's ways are better than our own, and just what can happen when we are focused more on our own desires rather than God's. Pray that God would break your heart about the sin in our lives and in the world, and that he would remind you to walk in his ways because they are not just what is right, but also what is best.
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Genesis 27 and 28 introduce us to Jacob's story arc in Genesis. We see an interesting story about Jacob stealing Esau's blessing, but then Jacob flees in fear of his brother. In the midst of his flight, God comes to him and renews his promise which had been given to Abraham and Isaac. Interestingly, in this renewal, God also directly promises his presence in Jacob's life. We see continues reminders of God's faithfulness to his people and the familiar response of worship to the workings of God. Pray that God would remind you of his faithfulness in spite of our shortcomings, and that he would remind you to always respond to him in worship.
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In Genesis 25 and 26, we come to the close of Abraham's life and the start of the next phase of Isaac's life. We see a beautiful picture of love in the way Isaac interceded for his wife, Rebekah. We also see that God renews the promise specifically to Isaac, and that it is passed down because of the obedience of Abraham. And when this happens, Isaac gives a familiar response: he worships. Pray that God would help you to love others more, and that he would help you to walk more closely in his commands, so that his work in your life would be evident to all. And also pray that he would continue to renovate your heart so that you might always respond to his work in your life.
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In Genesis 23 and 24, we see the end of Sarah's life and the first official ownership of land in Canaan for Abraham. Abraham was old when he finally possessed a small piece of the land which God had promised. Then, Abraham sends his servant to find a wife for Isaac, and we see the prayerful expectation of the servant and the worshipful response of the servant when God proves to be faithful. Pray that God would help you to pray in faith with expectation so that you will see his faithfulness in your life.
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In Genesis 21-22, we see the promise of a son fulfilled in the birth of Abraham's son Isaac. In the midst of this, God shows care and concern even for the well-being of Ishmael, and we also see that God's blessing and presence in lives ought to be evident. Then, God asks the unthinkable: he tells Abraham to sacrifice the son he waited 25 years for. The passage reminds us that God desires our hearts and that our response to God must always be obedience and worship, for he wants what is ultimately best for us. Pray that God would test your heart and reveal to you where you hold back and are disobedient, that you may be cleaned and purified and be able to walk in obedience and in worshipful response to the work He does in your life.
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In Genesis 18-20, we see the story of Sodom and Gomorrah, both of which are said to be full of wickedness and sin. God demonstrates his wrath and judgment on the cities because of sin, but also illustrates salvation and mercy through the rescue of Lot and his family. Sin has serious consequences. Pray that you would be reminded to take seriously the urgency of obedience to God's commands and that He would help you to not only walk with courage in his ways but also to boldly speak of the hope we have in him to a sinful world.
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In Genesis 17 and 18, God renews his promises to Abram once again, but this time it is accompanied by a name change and the sign of circumcision. God called on Abraham to walk in obedience and that the result would be a special relationship with the Almighty God. These passages remind us that inward transformation produces outward manifestation. We must also remember that God's timing is perfect, and our faith must always be in the giver, not the gift. Pray that God would remind you of his abundant goodness and that he will help you be transformed inside so that you may produce the fruit of such transformation outwardly.
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In Genesis 12-16, we are introduced to Abram (later called Abraham) and the early part of his story. God promises many things to Abram, but what is profoundly significant is that God's call and promises to Abram hinge on Abram's willingness to leave behind the comfort, security, and stability that he knew. Additionally, Abram's response to God's word was obedience and worship! Yet he did not walk perfectly. As we often do, when the God seems silent, we can lose sight of God's promises and His goodness. Pray that you would always be reminded of the goodness and grace of God, and that you would be comforted and encouraged that God delights in and desires to bless those who love him.
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In Genesis 11, a community of people embark on the creation of the Tower of Babel, that they may make a name for themselves. However, their pride ultimately leads to their fall: God disperses them and confuses their language. God is not willing to give up his place as the Almighty. Pray that you would be reminded to lay down your pride and your ambitions so that you may live to make the name of God great.
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Genesis 5-10 tell the story of Noah, from the generations before him, to the flood story, to the generations following him. In the Flood narrative, we see the tragic consequences of sin manifested in the complete destruction of creation. We are reminded of the truth of the wrath of God and the justice of God. Yet we also see that God still longs for relationship with His creation and reveals his willingness to redeem. Pray that God would remind you of the reality and urgency of His wrath but also the abundance of His goodness and grace, and that you would live out these truths daily.
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Genesis 4 tells the story of Cain and Abel. Both bring sacrifices to God, yet God only looks favorably on Abel's sacrifice. Filled with resentment and contempt, Cain kills Abel, becoming the Bible's first murderer. What was wrong with Cain's sacrifice? Or, perhaps, was it a matter of the heart? God's design was for our good, and at the heart of it is the truth that God is sovereign and we are not. Pray that God would remind you of the beauty of his design, and that his ways are meant to lead us to life.
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In Genesis 3, the first created human beings sin against God after being deceived by a serpent. The harmony and order which was evident in God's creation from Genesis 1 has been turned into division and chaos. The beauty of relationship established in Genesis 2 became strained and hostile. Yet God had abundant grace on Adam and Eve, as He does for us today. Pray that you would be reminded of God's grace in light of our sin, and that we would learn to walk in His ways so that we may be at peace with him and others, concerned only for the things He cares about.
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While Genesis 1 tells the story of the all-powerful, orderly creator God, Genesis 2 shows us a different set of characteristics about God. Namely, that he is deeply personal, that he profoundly cares for his creation, and that he provides. What an amazing thing that God did, to take such care in creating people! Pray that God would remind you daily that He cares for you and desires a personal relationship with you.
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A short devotional on Genesis 1, one of the creation stories from the Bible. What an amazing thing that God speaks into the chaos and darkness and brings forth a good creation! And then He made people in his image, which means that we have a spiritual power to speak life and light into the darkness of the world we live in! Pray that you would be reminded of the wonder and power of God and thank Him that He created us to participate in creation with him.
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